Travel Guide: Venice Essentials

Vino Vero

Located along the canal della Misericordia in the Cannaregio district, a visit to Vino Vero is inevitable. Its bustling terrace, expert staff and delicious cicchetti make it one the most coveted wine bars in town and its exceptional all-natural wine list offers one of Venice’s best selections. An avant-garde location, deeply rooted in tradition. Since 2014.

*Its sister bar located in Lisbon is also to be added to your address book.

@vino_vero

Fondamenta de la Misericordia, 2497, 30100 Venice VE, Italy

Torrefazione Cannaregio

Also in the Cannaregio district, Torrefazione Cannaregio has been a benchmark for coffee in Venice since 1930. It is to this day, the only roasting house in the lagoon’s historic center, offering roasts from the world’s finest coffee-growing regions, and beans to take away (the house-blend Remer is a must), which makes a perfect souvenir. A cool, friendly and no-nonsense coffee spot, for connoisseurs and those who wish to enjoy an delicious espresso by the canal. 

@torrefazionecannaregio

Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2804, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

Alessandra Venezia

On your way to piazza San Marco, take note of this little boutique which stands out for its authenticity. Here, owner Alessandra Scarpa crafts traditional furlanes (or friulanes) with unrivaled expertise. Traditionally worn by Venetian gondoliers since the 19th century, these velvet slippers are more fashionable than ever and come in a range of styles and a limitess color palette. Classic, mary jane, mocassin, dressed-up, each style is handmade and varies according to the creativity of the craftswoman who favors top-quality materials (silk velvet, rough silk, etc.). The opportunity to bring back a piece of Venetian elegance and history!

*Prices range from €59 to €119.

@ale.furlanevenezia

Calle de la Mandola, 3805/A, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Bar all’Arco

Finding authentic spots away from the crowds is an relentless quest in Venice, but thankfully, the bar all’Arco leads the way. Located next to the Rialto bridge in Campo San Polo, it embodies the quintessential Venetian barcaro, with a narrow, convivial interior, a profusion of truly unique cichetti inspired by the market’s selection, a great selection of local wines and a few outdoor seatings, perfect for settling down between museums. Beyond charming, it offers the best of all things Venetian, from the true-to-life atmosphere to the gastronomy. 

A modern classic, revered by locals.

@allarcovenezia

Campo San Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Harry’s bar

Famous for creating the Venetian cocktail bellini, Harry’s Bar needs no introduction. The legendary bar founded by Giuseppe Cipriani Senior opened its doors in 1931 and quickly gained prestige due to its outstanding regulars. Amongst them, Ernest Hemingway, Katharine Hepburn, Orson Welles and Peggy Guggenheim to name a few.

The pristine, old Italian-style décor transports us to another era with untouched marble bar and mahogany furniture. The menu features traditional Venetian dishes and italian classics, with prices lying on the high side. As for drinks, the carte stays in the classic realm, the bellini being the true star.

Today, Harry’s bar is a prized destination that stands for history and tradition, while embodying the timeless Cipriani trademark. A definite staple, worth a once in a lifetime visit.

*Reservation is highly recommended

Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Caffè Florian 

“Adamo da Florian!”  (Let’s meet at Florian!)

Touristy? Certainly. Fabulous? Indeed! 

Known as Europe’s very first café, Caffè Florian was founded at a time when Venice was the gateway to the Old World. Back then, the Florian was at the heart of the city and a meeting place that gathered everyone from intellectuals and artists, to locals and travelers.

Today, Florian’s unrivaled chic takes us back in time, with sumptuous salons (including the Oriental salon, worthy of a museum), stunning works of art by Venetian artists and a one-of-a-kind terrace directly on the Piazza San Marco, where you can enjoy classical ensembles and a series of concerts in the summer. The most outstanding caffè of all and a Venetian must-see.

@caffeflorian1720

Piazza San Marco 57, Venice

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

“I am not an art collector. I am a museum.”

Between the Biennale and countless museums, Venice carries on its timeless vocation as capital of the arts. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection stands out in this wide cultural landscape with a unique collection of modern art, gathered between Europe and America from 1938 to 1846. Permanent work by post-modern artists such as Magritte, Ernst and Kandinsky, as well as original exhibitions are displayed in the mid-18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, where Peggy Guggenheim lived from 1949, until her death in 1979.

Overlooking the Gran Canale, the palazzo is a work of art in itself and while the art is exceptionnal, the setting allows to retrace the life of the famous new-york collector, whose passion and dedication contributed to shape the art world as we know it.

To this day, the Peggy Gugghenheim Collection is recognized as one of the finest museums in the world.

@guggenheim_venice

Dorsoduro, 701, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Burano Island

Known for its lace craftsmanship and colorful houses, the Island of Burano is a favorite and a mandatory stop when visiting Venice. About a forty-five-minute vaporetto ride from the main island, it boasts quaint charm and marvellous mutlicolored facades, designed so that fishermen could identify their home in the fog. The lace industry has been at the heart of Burano since the 14th century and is considered some of the most exquisite in the world. A perfect day-trip and while you’re there, make sure to stop by the boutique La Bottega Dell Arte for gorgeous lace pieces, the Lace Museum for a bit of history and the restaurant Gatto Nero for delicious seafood.